HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc596-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce which officials will conduct the review of hunting on Forestry Commission land. [7916]

Mr. Chisholm

The review of hunting on Forestry Commission land is an internal review which is being carried out by the Forestry commissioners and commission officials as a normal part of their duties.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) for what reason a review of hunting on Forestry Commission land has been commenced; and when it will be conducted; [8837]

(2) who will be invited to give evidence to the Forestry Commissions review of hunting on Forestry Commission land; [8835]

(3) which officials will be involved in the review of hunting on Forestry Commission land; [8838]

(4) when he expects to publish the results of the review of hunting on Forestry Commission land; [8834]

(5) how much he estimates the review of hunting on Forestry Commission land will cost the Forestry Commission. [8836]

Mr. Chisholm

[holding answer 22 July 1997]: Against the background of our manifesto commitment to allow a free vote on hunting, we have asked the Forestry commissioners to review their policy for hunting over commission land, and to advise us of their conclusions. This is an internal review which will not be published, but which will take full account of representations received. The review is being carried out by the Forestry commissioners and commission officials as a normal part of their duties and will not be costed separately. The commissioners aim to complete their review later this summer.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what factors led him to carry out a review of hunting on Forestry Commission land; [10281]

(2) which officials will carry out a review of hunting on Forestry Commission land; [10282]

(3) who will give evidence to the review of hunting on Forestry Commission land. [10284]

Mr. Chisholm

Against the background of our manifesto commitment to allow a free vote on hunting, we have asked the forestry commissioners to review their policy for hunting over commission land, and to advise us of their conclusions. This internal review is being carried out by the forestry commissioners and commission officials and will take full account of representations received.